Italy's Reinhold

Solo: Nanga Parbat
$25.00
I found this a great and interesting book. Messner accounts of his solo ascent with chronicled journal entries and excellent photo's and maps of his route. His story and struggle to solo a high peak like Nanga Parbat is enthrawling in the face of most mountaineering feats. I found myself baffled that Messner has lived through all of his attempts and victored in the face of loneliness and without the apparent safety of an expedition team. This climb never ceases to blow me away!

The Crystal Horizon: Everest-The First Solo Ascent
$32.00
This is a mesmerizing account of the first solo ascent of Everest. I enjoyed the detailed sections about the land, the people and the mindset of this epic quest. In addition the pictures were fantastic.

Reinhold is certainly cut from a different piece of cloth. I disagree with the views of him being self-centered and egotistical. Certainly he leans toward the self-centered claim but his ego is actually extreme self-confidence in his abilities and skills. But then why should I be concerned about the views of him as he is certainly not bothered by such trivial matters.

The book is great not only from the aspect of extreme mountaineering but also for the glimpse of a mind that does not bend to the routines of the world.

I hope you find this review helpful.

Michael L. Gooch